The Biden Family: A Legacy Beyond Politics
There’s always been something about the Biden family that captures the attention of the American public—whether it’s their decades-long presence in politics, the tragedies they’ve endured, or the unshakeable bond that holds them together.
But behind the familiar smiles and public appearances lies a more complex, often unspoken tapestry of resilience and love. Who are the Bidens when the cameras are off?
What do their moments of vulnerability, their private battles, and their collective triumphs reveal about one of America’s most watched families? By peeling back the layers, we uncover a deeply personal legacy that President Joe Biden and his grandchildren carry forward.
More Than Just Politics: The Story of Joe Biden
Joe Biden’s life is much more than the sum of his political roles; it’s a journey marked by deep love, crushing loss, and the transformative power of family.
Now, at 82, he faces a formidable health challenge—a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The illness was discovered after he sought medical help for urinary symptoms, prompting further tests that revealed an alarming Gleason score of 9, indicating an aggressive cancer. Although it’s classified as Stage 4, the cancer is considered hormone-sensitive, offering a glimmer of hope in his treatment options. Biden’s team is working closely with medical specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
A Family That Knows Pain—and Perseverance
Even as Biden faces this new health battle, the story of his family stands as a testament to resilience. From his first marriage to Neilia Hunter, Biden had three children: Beau, Hunter, and Naomi. In 1972, a devastating car accident claimed the lives of Neilia and baby Naomi. Suddenly, Biden was a single father, raising his two surviving sons until he found love again with Jill Jacobs, whom he married in 1977. Together they had a daughter, Ashley.
Each of Biden’s children has left an indelible mark on his life—through moments of accomplishment and times of heartbreak.
Ashley Biden: Compassionate and Committed
Ashley Biden, the youngest of Joe’s children and his only daughter with Jill, was born on June 8, 1981. Unlike her half-brothers, Ashley has chosen a quieter path away from the political spotlight, dedicating herself to social work and community justice.
She holds a degree in Cultural Anthropology from Tulane University and earned her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. Early in her career, she focused on helping vulnerable youth, working at Wilmington’s West End Neighborhood House and later within Delaware’s juvenile justice system.
In 2012, Ashley became the Executive Director of the Delaware Center for Justice, leading initiatives to support those impacted by the justice system and advocating for incarcerated women. Despite her preference for privacy, Ashley stepped in behind the scenes during her father’s 2020 presidential campaign, showing her unwavering support.
In a rare interview, Ashley confided, “I’ve never wanted to be in the public eye, and that hasn’t changed.” Her social media presence reflects her passions: she describes herself as a social worker, criminal justice reform advocate, family member, and dog lover. She is married to Dr. Howard Krein, a Philadelphia-based surgeon.
Hunter Biden: A Journey of Turmoil and Hope
Hunter Biden’s life has been marked by both privilege and pain. Born in 1970, he was only two years old when the crash that killed his mother and baby sister turned his world upside down. Joe Biden, then preparing to be sworn in as a U.S. Senator, faced an unimaginable loss.
Hunter attended Georgetown University and later earned his law degree from Yale. In 1993, he married Kathleen Buhle, and together they had three daughters: Naomi, Finnegan, and Maisy. Their marriage ended in 2017, a casualty of years of tension caused by financial troubles, infidelity, and Hunter’s struggles with addiction.
Kathleen later wrote about their marriage in her memoir, reflecting on the pain and her path to healing. She described letting go of anger as the key to moving forward. Hunter’s battles with substance abuse were compounded by grief after the death of his older brother, Beau—a loss that hit him deeply. His daughter Naomi once said that her father and uncle were so close it felt like they were “one heart, one soul.”
In recent years, Hunter’s life has been marred by public scrutiny, including federal investigations into his business dealings and taxes. A 2019 paternity suit confirmed him as the father of Navy Joan Roberts. Initially, the family kept this private, but Joe Biden later publicly acknowledged his granddaughter.
Joe Biden expressed his hope that Hunter and Navy’s mother, Lunden Roberts, would work together to build a positive relationship for their daughter—emphasizing family unity over political fallout.
Now remarried and a father again, Hunter continues to work on rebuilding his life, despite the public and legal challenges he faces.
Beau Biden: A Legacy of Honor
Joseph Robinette “Beau” Biden III was born in 1969. A Yale Law School graduate, Beau chose a path of service. He joined the Delaware Army National Guard in 2003 and served in Iraq, where he earned the Bronze Star.
Beau served as Delaware’s Attorney General from 2007 until 2015, earning a reputation for integrity and dedication to protecting children. He planned to run for governor in 2016, but his political ambitions were cut short by tragedy. After a minor stroke in 2010, Beau was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013. Despite a period of remission, he succumbed to the disease in May 2015 at age 46.
The Biden family issued a heartbreaking statement at his passing, praising Beau’s courage and unwavering dedication. President Obama paid tribute to Beau’s commitment to public service, describing him as a man of faith and integrity whose memory would continue to inspire.
Naomi Biden: A Life Remembered
Naomi Christina Biden, the youngest child of Joe and Neilia, was born in 1971. Just over a year later, she died in the 1972 car accident that shattered the Biden family’s world. Joe Biden has written about the searing pain of that moment—how he felt a hollow ache that threatened to consume him.
Decades later, Hunter honored his baby sister’s memory by naming his eldest daughter after her, ensuring that Naomi’s spirit remains part of the family’s legacy.
A Grandfather’s Love
Through triumphs and tragedies, Joe Biden has embraced his role as a grandfather—and now a great-grandfather. He has seven grandchildren, including his eldest granddaughter, Naomi Biden (daughter of Hunter and Kathleen), who gave birth to a baby girl in January 2025. Naomi, a lawyer, married fellow attorney Peter Neal in a 2022 White House wedding. She and Peter often accompanied Joe and Jill on official trips during his presidency.
Naomi made her pregnancy announcement on Election Day, a symbol of continuity amid political transitions. She also stepped into the public eye to testify during her father’s federal gun trial in 2024—a case that ended in his conviction and subsequent presidential pardon.
A Family’s Unbreakable Bond
As Joe Biden now faces the uncertainty of a serious illness, the tapestry of his family’s experiences—woven with threads of loss, love, and resilience—tells a story that is deeply human. Beyond the politics and headlines lies a family that has learned, time and again, that the ties that bind them are stronger than any adversity they may face.
Joe Biden’s Bond with His Grandchildren: A Testament to Family Ties
During a heartfelt 2021 interview on TODAY with Jenna & Friends, several of Joe Biden’s grandchildren opened up about their relationship with their grandfather, whom they affectionately call “Pop.” Maisy Biden spoke about how dedicated he is to keeping in touch, ensuring that even the weighty responsibilities of the presidency never prevent him from participating in their milestones—whether sports games or family celebrations.
In a 2022 conversation on the SmartLess podcast, Joe Biden himself spoke candidly about his deep connection with his grandchildren. He described them as his “greatest joy and recreation,” noting, “They’re crazy about me, and I’m crazy about them.” He emphasized that he makes it a point to reach out to each one of them daily.
Now, as Biden faces the formidable challenge of a severe illness, it is this same family—defined by enduring loss, unwavering support, and boundless love—that stands by his side.
Recently, Biden was diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The diagnosis came after he sought medical attention for urinary symptoms, prompting further tests that revealed a high Gleason score of 9—a mark of significant cancer severity. Despite the seriousness of the disease, his medical team described it as hormone-sensitive, offering some hope for treatment success.
According to an official statement, the president and his loved ones are currently considering various treatment paths with his doctors.
At 82 years old, Biden reflects on a life marked by deep grief and extraordinary service. His children—Beau, Hunter, and Naomi from his first marriage to Neilia—shaped his earliest experiences of parenthood. When Neilia and their infant daughter Naomi died in a devastating car crash in 1972, Biden faced the enormous challenge of raising his two surviving sons alone.
He later found renewed family life with Jill Jacobs, whom he married in 1977. Together, they had a daughter named Ashley, each child leaving a profound mark on Biden’s journey—some through accomplishments, others through unimaginable trials.
Ashley Biden: A Life of Quiet Service
Ashley Blazer Biden, born in 1981, is Joe and Jill’s only child together. Unlike her half-siblings, Ashley has opted for a life away from the glare of the public eye, dedicating herself to social justice.
After completing a degree in Cultural Anthropology at Tulane University, she went on to earn a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Early in her career, Ashley worked at Wilmington’s West End Neighborhood House, supporting at-risk youth, and later at the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families, where she focused on initiatives that provided employment and educational opportunities to young people.
In 2012, she became Executive Director of the Delaware Center for Justice, where she championed reforms for people impacted by the criminal justice system and supported programs that aided incarcerated women.
In a 2023 interview with Elle magazine, Ashley reaffirmed her desire for privacy, saying, “I never wanted to be in the public eye, and I still don’t.” Her social media presence reflects that sentiment, identifying her primarily as a social worker and reform advocate. She is married to Philadelphia surgeon Howard Krein.
Although she typically avoids the spotlight, Ashley stepped in during her father’s 2020 presidential run, leaving her nonprofit post to help behind the scenes—a testament to her deep loyalty to family.
Hunter Biden: Trials and Tribulations
Robert Hunter Biden, born in 1970, was only two years old when a tragic accident claimed his mother’s and sister’s lives, leaving him with a fractured skull. His brother Beau, also injured, and their father Joe were left to navigate an unimaginable loss.
Hunter later attended Georgetown University and graduated from Yale Law School in 1996. He met his first wife, Kathleen Buhle, while volunteering with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and the couple married in 1993. They had three daughters: Naomi, Finnegan, and Maisy.
Their marriage ended in 2017 amid financial pressures and personal turmoil. During divorce proceedings, Kathleen disclosed Hunter’s struggles with substance abuse, infidelity, and overspending. In her memoir, If We Break, Kathleen wrote that she eventually found forgiveness for Hunter, sharing, “Anger is such a heavy weight to carry, and I was in a lot of pain. Letting go was the only way forward.”
Hunter’s downward spiral deepened after the death of his brother Beau in 2015—a relationship Hunter’s daughter Naomi described as “one heart, one soul, one mind.”
Subsequently, Hunter faced legal challenges, including a federal investigation into his finances and taxes. In 2019, a paternity case brought by Lunden Roberts revealed Hunter as the father of Navy Joan Roberts, a fact confirmed by DNA testing. Initially estranged, Biden ultimately recognized Navy as his granddaughter.
In 2023, Joe Biden released a statement emphasizing that Hunter and Navy’s mother were working together to ensure a relationship that served their daughter’s best interests while preserving her privacy. Joe and Jill Biden expressed their love and commitment to all of their grandchildren, including Navy, asserting that the matter was a private family affair.
Despite Hunter’s continued scrutiny, including legal challenges, Joe Biden’s commitment to family remains unshaken.
Beau Biden: A Life of Service and Loss
Joseph Robinette “Beau” Biden III, born in 1969, was Joe and Neilia’s firstborn. A Yale Law School graduate, Beau joined the Delaware Army National Guard in 2003 and deployed to Iraq in 2008 as part of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He earned the Bronze Star for his service.
Beau served as Delaware’s Attorney General, winning elections in 2006 and 2010. He was known for his tough stance on child protection and his compassion for victims.
In 2014, Beau announced plans to run for governor, stating, “What started as a thought—a very persistent thought—has now become a course of action I wish to pursue.”
Tragically, Beau suffered a mild stroke in 2010, and in 2013, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Although he initially went into remission, the cancer returned, and he passed away in May 2015 at 46 years old.
In a statement, then-Vice President Joe Biden said, “It is with broken hearts that Hallie, Hunter, Ashley, Jill, and I announce Beau’s passing after he battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage, and strength he demonstrated every day of his life.” President Obama honored him as a man of faith, character, and service.
Naomi Biden: A Baby Lost Too Soon
Joe and Neilia’s youngest child, Naomi Christina Biden, was born in November 1971. She tragically died in the same car crash that killed her mother, just weeks after Joe’s Senate victory.
Joe’s brother Jimmy broke the news in Washington, D.C., gently telling Joe, “There’s been a slight accident. Nothing to worry about. But we ought to go home.” Naomi, just over a year old, didn’t survive. Joe later recounted in his memoir, Promises to Keep, that he felt like he was being pulled into a bottomless void.
Hunter later honored his sister’s memory by naming his own daughter Naomi.
Joe Biden’s Grandchildren: A Source of Light
Joe Biden’s seven grandchildren are living reminders of the resilience and love that define his family. In interviews, he often speaks of how much they mean to him and how their bond sustains him.
In 2021, Maisy Biden shared that he always calls them, no matter how busy he is. During the 2022 SmartLess podcast, Joe spoke about how much his grandchildren enrich his life, reaffirming that he calls each of them every single day.
Naomi Biden (1993–Present)
Hunter and Kathleen’s eldest daughter, Naomi Biden, is a lawyer and recently gave birth, making Joe a great-grandfather. Naomi married fellow lawyer Peter Neal in 2022 in a joyful White House wedding and has often joined her grandparents on official trips.
She has also faced challenges; she testified at her father’s federal gun trial, which resulted in a conviction later overturned by Joe’s presidential pardon in December 2024.
Finnegan Biden
Naomi’s sister, Finnegan, is known for her advocacy work. In high school, she led a successful protest to reform the dress code. During her time at the University of Pennsylvania, she continued to stand up for student rights, particularly during the pandemic’s transition to online learning.
A Legacy of Family
Joe Biden’s life story is a tapestry of triumphs and tragedies, woven together by his abiding love for his family. From his own children to his grandchildren and now his great-grandchildren, they remain his anchor and his greatest source of joy. As he faces a new, daunting health challenge, their steadfast support provides him with strength, purpose, and a reminder that, above all else, family matters most.
Joe Biden’s Connection with His Grandchildren
Joe Biden’s bond with his grandchildren is a deeply personal and enduring cornerstone of his life—a relationship that transcends politics and public duty, forming a vital emotional anchor for him throughout his time in office and beyond. Even as President, Biden made it clear that his role as “Pop” remained unchanged, emphasizing the unshakable closeness he shares with each of his grandchildren.
During a conversation on a popular talk show, Joe Biden’s granddaughter Maisy revealed just how present and engaged he is in their lives.
She described how he regularly checked in with each grandchild, ensuring he never missed an important moment—whether it was an art exhibition, a school event, or simply a casual phone call to catch up. This connection didn’t waver even amid the pressures of the presidency.
In a candid podcast interview, Joe himself reaffirmed that his daily routines continued to revolve around his family. “They’re the light of my life,” he shared. “Every single day, I reach out to each one, just to remind them I’m here and I love them.” That devotion hasn’t changed, even as he faces the shifting tides of a long political career and the new challenges that come with it.
Naomi Biden
Joe’s eldest granddaughter, Naomi, has always shared a special bond with him. As she prepared to welcome her own child, Joe’s excitement at the prospect of becoming a great-grandfather was palpable. Naomi, a talented attorney, balances her legal career with her role as a supportive granddaughter. She married Peter Neal in a joyful White House wedding—a celebration that showcased the family’s unity and love.
Naomi’s quiet strength and unwavering support for her grandfather have remained a source of pride, even as she navigated challenging moments like testifying in her father’s federal trial. Despite the complexities, her commitment to family stands out as a testament to the Biden family’s enduring resilience.
Finnegan Biden
Finnegan, Naomi’s sister, has distinguished herself through her passion for activism and her dedication to making a difference. During her time at the University of Pennsylvania, she championed student rights during the turbulent pandemic period, leading a campaign to extend pass/fail deadlines.
Her leadership, marked by empathy and determination, resonated with thousands of students who found themselves struggling in uncertain times. Finnegan’s drive to create positive change reflects the values of service and advocacy that have long defined her family’s legacy. Her older sister, Naomi, has publicly praised her as both an inspiration and a steadfast friend.
Maisy Biden
The youngest of the three sisters, Maisy brings a vibrant creative spirit to the family. Her passion for art shines through in her online portfolio, where she shares her evolving artistic journey. Through sketches, digital designs, and mixed media creations, Maisy invites others into her world—a world where creativity knows no bounds. Her artistic endeavors not only showcase her talent but also offer a glimpse into the ways she channels her unique perspective, carrying on the Biden tradition of forging one’s own path while remaining grounded in family ties.
Natalie Biden
Natalie, the daughter of Beau Biden, embodies the love and legacy of her father’s memory. Her close relationship with her grandparents is a source of strength and comfort, particularly as she navigates life’s milestones.
Natalie fondly recalled living close to the White House during her grandfather’s presidency—a time filled with shared meals, laughter, and the simple joys of being together. During a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Joe’s introduction of Natalie was a heartwarming moment that captured the deep affection between them. “She’s my heart,” he declared, reminding everyone of the importance of family in his life.
Robert “Hunter” Biden II
Known affectionately as Hunter, this young man carries his father’s name with pride and purpose. His journey has been shaped by the enduring love of his grandparents, who have stood by him through every milestone. When Joe and Jill attended his confirmation at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, it was a moment that underscored the family’s deep roots in faith and tradition—a way to honor Beau’s legacy and ensure it lives on through Hunter’s growth and accomplishments. Joe often invokes his Catholic faith as a wellspring of strength, especially in the wake of personal loss, reminding his family—and the nation—that “faith sees best in the dark.”
Navy Joan Roberts
Though born in challenging circumstances, Navy Joan Roberts is part of the Biden family story. Hunter Biden and Lunden Roberts welcomed her into the world in 2018, and despite initial denials, Hunter ultimately recognized her as his daughter. Though her journey into the family was marked by legal complexities, she remains an important part of the Biden legacy—a reminder that family, in all its forms, deserves compassion and connection.
Beau Biden Jr.
The arrival of Beau Biden Jr. in 2020 brought joy and a sense of continuity to the family. Named after his late uncle, he represents both a tribute and a new beginning—a bridge between generations. His presence at significant family moments, including the 2021 inauguration, has been a symbol of hope and resilience. The photos of Joe Biden holding his grandson captured the hearts of many, reinforcing the image of a grandfather who cherishes his family above all else.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Each of Joe Biden’s grandchildren embodies a unique chapter in a story defined by love, loss, and unwavering support. From Naomi’s quiet strength to Finnegan’s advocacy, Maisy’s creativity, and Natalie’s enduring affection, every one of them contributes to the tapestry of a family rooted in shared values and enduring bonds. Hunter Biden II’s presence speaks to the power of remembrance and faith, while Navy Joan and Beau Jr. remind us that family can grow and heal even in the face of complexity.
Joe Biden’s devotion to his grandchildren—checking in daily, celebrating their triumphs, and comforting them in hardship—reveals the heart of a man who cherishes the role of grandfather above all else. This family, woven together through triumphs and challenges alike, remains his steadfast foundation as he navigates both the personal and the political. Their stories reflect a legacy of resilience, love, and purpose—a testament to the enduring power of family ties that define the man behind the presidency.